Karen grew up in Wynot, cheering on the Wynot Blue Devils until her graduation in 1955. She started her working career at age 12 as a phone operator at the Wynot Telephone Company. Anyone who knows Karen knew this was a perfect start for her. Karen was also responsible for the noon bell and notifying the fire department if there was a fire in town. The Mathers family moved to Spokane, Wash., in 1955. She was working for Westinghouse when she met Gene “Lew” Lewis on a blind date. After a short three-month engagement, she married Lew Dec. 8, 1956. Gene and Karen welcomed their first son, Scott, September 1957. Daughter Staci was born on Gene’s birthday October 1966. Second son, Shane, surprised Karen and Gene in January 1968.

Karen enjoyed her positions at Sunset Electric, Westinghouse, KXLY, PGT and was very proud to be President Lew Zirkle’s executive assistant at Key Tronic Corporation.

Karen loved spending time at the cabin on Deer Lake welcoming family and friends onto the dock.

She is survived by husband, Gene, of over 56 years; children, Scott, and his daughter, Madison “Maddy Mae;” and Staci and Shane; sister, Arlynn, and brother-in-law Tom Jefferson; nieces, KariLynn and family, and Kristi; “Auntie;” and cousins and dear friends.